Infantino has ‘no magic formula’ to solve FIFA misery

New FIFA President Gianni Infantino holds his first press conference in Zurich on February 26, 2016 following his election. / AFP / FABRICE COFFRINI

FIFA president Gianni Infantino insisted Thursday that he has “no magic formula” to overcome the damage caused by the corruption crisis which has rocked football’s world governing body.

Swiss-Italian lawyer Infantino succeeded the suspended Sepp Blatter in February at the head of FIFA, which was sent reeling by a series of arrests of leading officials as well as clouds over the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar respectively.

“There is no magic formula. The formula is work, passion and joy,” Infantino said.

“That is what we have to do — work in a very transparent manner, very open, very serious and very professional.”

Infantino is on a tour of South America, taking in Uruguay, Paraguay and Colombia.

On Thursday, he played in a friendly game between a team representing Bolivian President Evo Morales and another featuring retired stars Cafu of Brazil and Spain’s Fernando Hierro.

“We must show to the world that we are here to take care of the health of football.” said the FIFA chief.